Ardehl Leland, 91 peacefully passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Sidney Health Center Extended Care in Sidney, MT with family by her side.

Ardehl Leland was born in Fryburg, North Dakota, on January 28, 1935, to Eldon and Agnes Adams. She attended rural school and graduated from Beach High School. She went on to Dickinson College, where she received her teaching certificate. At the age of 18, she began teaching, with her first year at Stevenson School in 1953–1954. She also taught at Red Wing and Horse Creek Schools.

While teaching in the Squaw Gap area, Ardehl met Myron Leland at a bouncy floor hall dance. Myron and Ardehl were married on June 9, 1957, in Glendive, Montana. They made their first home in Glendive, where their son, Tim, was born in April 1958. In late 1958, they moved to the family ranch on Bennie Peer Creek in the Squaw Gap area, where they spent their life together and raised their three children, Tim, Tammy, and Cindy.

Life on the ranch kept Ardehl busy. Along with raising their family, she was always willing to lend a hand wherever she was needed, whether that meant hauling hay in the fall, moving equipment, or helping with the many other jobs that came with ranch life.

In 1968, Ardehl began serving as clerk of the Earl School District, a position she held for nearly 50 years. During all those years, she never missed a meeting. She was a strong advocate for rural schools and made numerous trips to Bismarck over the years on their behalf.

Ardehl was very involved in her church and community throughout her life. She was a member of Ladies Aid for many years. She also spent many years helping on Election Day.

Some of the things Ardehl will be remembered for most happened in her kitchen. Every Christmas, she made peanut brittle and elephant ears to give to family and friends, a tradition everyone looked forward to each year. Her breadsticks were another favorite enjoyed year-round.

Ardehl especially loved making things fun and memorable for her grandchildren. When they were little, she made their birthday cakes each year. She always made Easter special by putting together scavenger hunts and flying kites with the grandchildren. These were just a few of the many ways she showed her love for her family and created traditions and memories her grandchildren will always carry with them.

Ardehl loved spending time with family, friends, and neighbors. She enjoyed playing cards, board games, and working on puzzles and was always ready to play, whether it was an ordinary visit with neighbors or a family gathering during the holidays. She also enjoyed gardening and caring for her flowers.

After spending most of her life in the Squaw Gap area, Ardehl entered Sidney Extended Care in April 2024. She passed away on September 9, 2026.

Ardehl is survived by her children Tim (Tammy) Leland of Sidney, Montana, Tammy (Bill) LaCrosse of Williston, North Dakota, and Cindy (Rob) Fraser of Roberts, Montana; her grandchildren Dillon Leland of Watford City, North Dakota, Karley (Austin) Lantz of Williston, North Dakota, Garret Leland of Squaw Gap, North Dakota, Kelsey (Baley) Aldrich of Big Timber, Montana, and Stacy (Ryan) Wickum of Williston, North Dakota; her great-grandchildren Tillie, Jett, Luci, Braxton, Ryker, Goldie, and Krue; brother-in-law Joe Leland of Sidney, Montana; sisters-in-law Jeanie Leland and Virginia Leland, both of Sidney, Montana, and Ardie Adams of Glendive, MT; brother- and sister-in-law Gary and Georgia Leland of Havre, Montana; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ardehl was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Myron Leland; her parents, Eldon and Agnes Adams; her brother, Arlo Adams; her granddaughter, Katrina Leland; and her great-granddaughter, Hope Wickum.